Early voting Chicago: Determined voters wait in hours-long lines to cast their ballots before 2024 Election Day

CHICAGO (WLS) — There are still three days to go until the 2024 presidential election.

Candidates on both presidential tickets will be in the battleground states on Saturday as voters continue to cast their ballots.

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Chicago voters were determined to cast their ballots this weekend, no matter how long it took.

“So we decided to go back to Lincoln Park this morning, and the line was also three and a half hours long before the booth even opened,” said early voter Zack Cilinder.

Cylinder and his wife eventually went to the Loop supersite, where the wait for early voters was about 20 minutes.

“We just need our lives back. We need our rights. My youngest is part of the LGBTQ community. It’s just too much. You can’t live in fear every day. I would stand here for days on end. if I had.” said early voter Courtney Ward.

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Whether it is a feeling of anxiety about the outcome of the presidential election or a particular issue, many people were determined to make their voices heard.

“I feel like Roe v. Wade was an attack on women,” said early voter Aschira White.

“I believe that every person deserves to be treated as a human being and have rights accessible to him or her, so I vote accordingly,” said Sebastian Klein, another early voter.

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And while polling places across the city remained busy, efforts were also underway to ensure Chicagoans made their choice for Cook County State’s Attorney, congressional races and for Chicago’s first elected school board.

“We will have individuals making sure that we invest in our public school system,” said 26th Ward Alderman Jessie Fuentes. “It doesn’t matter what the color of your skin is or what zip code you live in; you deserve a world-class education.”

To count, mail-in ballots must be postmarked by November 5, Election Day.

There are long lines at some voting locations, but believe it or not, the busiest day is expected to be Monday.